Office dictation and intercommunication system



March 16, 1954 ROBERTS 2,672,346

OFFICE DICTATION AND INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed Dec. 21, 1946 8Sheets-Sheet 1 B. ROBERTS March 16, 1954 OFFICE DICTATION ANDINTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 21, 1946 THEINTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS COHPAN 808 NORTH BROAD STREET PHILADELPHIA 50PENNA. TEL. P0-5'7852 DATE FILE "0- 68 SUBJECT SHEET 0F 5uEET$ 70SIGNATURE l VENTOR gm March 16, 1954 B. ROBERTS 2,672,346

OFFICE DICTATION AND INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed Dec. 21, 1946 8Sheets-Sheet I5 lN ENTOR Q ATTORNEYS B. ROBERTS March 16, 1954 8Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 21, 1946 IN NTOR ATTORN EY6 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 ZINENTOR BY B. ROBERTS March 16, I954 OFFICE DICTATION ANDINTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed Dec. 21, 1946 March l6, 1954 B. ROBERTSOFFICE DICTATION AND INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 FiledDec. 21, 1946 gig 1mg??? WYW TT RNEYS March 16, 1954 RQBERTS 2,672,346

OFFICE DICTATION AND INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed Dec. 21, 1946 8Sheets-meet '7 March 16, 1954 ROBERTS 2,672,346

OFFICE DICTATION AND INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed Dec. 21, 1946 8Sheets-$heet 8 mm .53 ukotmz .86:

IN NTOR AMI-Q BY 2 ATTOR EY-fi Patented Mar. 16, 1954 OFFICE DICTATIONAND INTERCOMIVIUNI- CATION SYSTEM Bruce Roberts, Philadelphia, Pa.,assignor to The International Electronics Company, Philadelphia, Pa., acorporation of Pennsylvania Application December 21, 1946, Serial No.717,754

6 Claims. 1 I. General considerations and statement of objects Thisinvention relates to novel apparatus for producing and reproducingmagnetic sound recordings according to a completely new system employinga completely new record medium.

The art of recording intelligence, heretofore, has been subject tocertain disadvantages or inconveniences, either with respect to therecording technique or with respect to the recording media employed. Forexample, writing and related arts, while using convenient media such aspaper, are handicapped by the tremendous expenditure of time and eflortwhich must intervene between the conceptualizing of thought and itultimate recording in permanent form.

On the other hand, the direct methods of recording intelligence, asheretofore known, for example, mechanical inscription of phonographrecords, the photochemical recording of sound on film, and magneticrecording on various forms of sheet metal records such as steel discs ordrums or coated paper tapes, while adapted to record intelligence asrapidly as it is vocalized, are handicapped by the inconvenient natureof the media on which recordings of these varieties are inscribed. Thebulky character of such records makes them inconvenient to store orfile, and moreover, the frangible nature of the common mechanicalphonograph records, whether of disc or cylindrical form, has becomeproverbial. The shape or weight of any of the previously known types ofrecord, even magnetizable tape or sound film, renders impractical themailing thereof. Because of these limitations, recordings heretoforemade on such media have customarily been transcribed to typewritten formfor the purposes of filing and mailing.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a system forrecording intelligence which combines the advantages of both prior typesabove mentioned, while eliminating the objectionable features of each.Thus, the present invention concerns a system utilizing direct recordingtechnique, and the invention applies this desirable technique toconvenient recording media, such as paper sheets, which are as readilyadapted to immediate disposition by mailing or filing as are typewrittenletters.

,I accomplish this by employing as a recording medium a rectangular,flexible sheet comprising magnetizable material, and capable of repeatedcreasing and uncreasing without detriment. The sheet in this form is aswell adapted to storage or transmission, for instance filing or mailing,as the most satisfactory recording media known. According to the presentinvention, a sheet of the character described is temporarily flexed fromits normal fiat form to a form having a substantially continuoussurface, preferably to the form of a cylinder. This continuous surfaceis then scanned by a magnetic recording device. Upon the completion ofthe recording operation, the sheet is restored to its former fiatcondition and filed or disposed of in other appropriate manner. It maybe folded without detriment, and constitutes a permanent record of thematter inscribed thereon. When it is desired to reproduce the recording,the sheet is again flexed to form a continuous surface and again scannedin the same path as before, but now by a magnetic reproducing device.

According to the foregoing, it will be seen that the inventioncontemplates a highly novel record medium capable of assuming one formduring storage or transmission and another form during recording andreproduction.

Anothef aspect of the present invention is specifically concerned with anovel apparatus for flexing a record sheet from flat form to a formproviding a continuous recording surface, together with scanning meansand other equipment necessary to record and reproduce intelligence onsuch record sheets.

According to the invention, a flat, rectilinear sheet of flexiblematerial carrying a magnetizable substance is temporarily flexed to theform of a closed loop with one of the edges overlapping the oppositeedge, thus providing what is termed herein a continuous recordingsurface, which may be scanned in a continuous path or record trackintersecting the line of contact of the two edges.

Experience with mechanical recordings and with photochemical recordingswould. lead to the belief that the discontinuity of the recording mediumat the point of overlap would induce an objectionable plop in thereproduced signal. However, I have discovered that this phenomenon doesnot occur with magnetic recordings scanned in accordance with thisinvention, apparently due to the fact that the electric current inducedin the reproducing head by the passage of the magnetized particles issubstantially independent of the contour of the medium upon which themagnetized particles are carried. The only measurable effect or thediscontinuity of the sheet is a slight diminution of the signal strengthas the edge of the paper is crossed. The diminution is practicallyimperceptible to the unaided human ear, and since it is only a change inthe intensity of the reproduced signal, and does not induce a suddensurge of current, it is entirely unobjectionable.

The apparatus, in accordance with this part or the invention, isconstructed as a simple, unitary device for producing in physical formletters, memoranda, and the like, simultaneously with their utterance bytheir originator.

The adaptability of recordings made in accordance with this invention toimmediate disposition may be exploited more fully according to anotheraspect of the invention in which such a unitary device is associatedwith other apparatus whereby recordings may be made or reproduced at alocation removed from the location of the person originating them orlistening to them.

Still another phase of the invention involves the employment of aunitary device, together with additional means for establishingintercommunication between the recording apparatus and the remoteoperating position, by means of which the activities of two personsstationed at the respective positions may be coordinated. Thecombination of this unitary device with intercommunicationfacilitiescons titutes a system for dealing with oflice dictation inwhich letters or memoranda may be dictated from one location andrecorded in another location, and in which instructions as to thedisposition of the recorded material may be transmitted to the secondlocation by means of the same circuits and the same equipment.

The invention thus contemplates that certain of the elements of theunitary device will be em ployed alternatively for a plurality ofpurposes,

including recording, reproduction, intercommuni cation and remotecontrol.

Another object of the invention is the production of recordings whichare not only adapted to immediate final disposition, but which are alsosubject to convenient transcription to a different form where that isdesired.

A further object of the inventionis to provide for reproduction ofrecordings immediately after they have been made, or upon the lapse oftime after their making, either at the location of the recordingapparatus or at a location remote therefrom.

How the foregoing and other objects are attained will be more fullyunderstood upon reference to the description contained hereinbelow andthe drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a master recording unit constructed inaccordance with the invention and of its associated speaker-microphoneand foot switch;

Figure 2 represents a remote unit, togetherwith its associated footswitch;

Figure 3 represents the reverse of a record sheet for use in thepractice of the invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a portion of a record sheet made inaccordance with the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the paper cylin- 4 der of the masterunit, shown with a single sheet of paper wrapped thereon;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a cylinder with two sheets of paper inposition for recording in duplicate;

Figure '7 is a front view of the master unit shown in Figure 1, partlyin elevation and partly in broken section;

Figure 8 is a sectional view of the master unit, taken along the line8-8 of Figure '7;

Figure 9 is a detailed view of parts shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an elevation of portions of Figure 7, with certain partsremoved;

Figure 11 is a simplified view of the paper feed mechanism;

Figure 12 is a detailed view of the paper ejecting mechanism;

Figure 13 is an isometric view of a recording head;

Figure 14 is an enlarged isometric view of the recording head polepieces;

Figure 15 is an isometric view of the recording head carriage and backspacing mechanism, on an enlarged scale;

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the amplifier, oscillator, and powersupply circuits; and

Figure 17 is a diagram of the switching and cabling circuits.

II. General discussion of the master unit Turning now to the drawingsand considering first the above-mentioned unitary device itself, Figure1 is an exterior view of a master unit, generally indicated at 2|, whichis mounted in and upon a cabinet generally indicated at 30. Associatedwith the master unit is a local speakermicrophone unit 22, adapted to beconnected with the master unit by means of cord 23, plug 24, and jack25. Local foot switch 26 is similiarly adapted to be connected with themaster unit by means oi cord 21, plug 28, and jack 29.

Cabinet 30 includes a front panel 3|, upon which are mounted variouscontrol elements and indicating elements, and an extendable back panel32, hinged to the rear of the cabinet at 33, and maintained inadjustable position by spacerlink 34.

Paper feed lever 35 and paper eject lever 38- penetrate apertures 31 and38 respectively, at the left and right edges of panel 3|. Recordingstatus pointer 39 penetrates a slot 40 extending substantially acrosspanel 3|, just below scale 4|.

As the recording operation progresses, pointer 39 advances along thescale, permitting a measurement of the recording space or time alreadyutilized, or alternatively, the amount of recording space or time yetavailable.

Disposed centrally of panel 3| are a pair of signal bezels, 42a and 43a,preferably of different colors, adapted to be illuminated by a pair ofsignal lamps, 42b and 43b respectively (see Figure 17) under certainconditions, as will appear more fully hereinbelow.

Immediately below the bezels is a power switch- 44; and below the powerswitch is a push button switch 45 for controlling the back spacingmechamsm.

To the left of toggle switch 44 is control knob 46 for multi-positiongang switch 41 (see Figure 17) and to the right of the toggle switch isvolume control knob 48 for volume control 49 (see Figure 16).

On the side of cabinet 30, adjacent jack 25, is a multi-connector socket50 adapted to be connected with 'a similar socket 5|" on remote cable ofconventional design or by any other means; the cable is schematicallyindicated at fi l in Figure 17.

I II. General discussion of the remote unit Remote unit 52 includes abuilt-in permanent magnet loudspeaker 53 (see Figure 17), whichfunctions as either a microphone or a loud speaker, as is well known inthe art, mounted behind a grill 54. Foot switch 55, similar in structureand function to foot switch 25, is adapted to be removably connectedwith remote unit 52 through cord 56, plug 5?, and jack 58.

Mounted on the front panel of the remote unit are a bezel 59a, adaptedto be illuminated by lampEiSb (see Figure 17) under certaincircumstances, as will appear; signalling push button 50, a hold downtalk-listen toggle switch iii; privacy toggle switch 32; and back spacepush button 83.

IV. The recording medium Turning now to the recording medium, Figure 3is an example of a recording sheet E i bearing on its uncoated sidealetterhead 55, space for address iii, classification indicia fit, aheading 6t, and signature location indicia it. The address spaceisdefined by a box providing a reference for. registration of theaddress with the window of. a standard window envelope. It is especiallyimportant, in records whose context is not visually comprehensible, toprovide means for indicating the relative order and number of the sheetscomprising a multi-sheet record, and to that end, I have provided meansfor indicating the position of each sheet in such a series.

The record sheet may be of any convenient size, but preferably, asillustrated in Figure 3, the sheet should be of standard letter size,for example, 8 by- 11". By standardizing on this size and shape ofrecord sheet, all the auxiliary equipment of letter communicationbecomes available; for example, standard envelopes, standard filefolders, standard file cabinets and the like may advantageously beemployed in the storage and handling of record sheets of this size.

In addition to the dimensions, the plan form of the sheet ischaracterized by holes l! and i2 and notched corners l3 and it, whichtogether cooperate in maintaining the record sheet in scanning positionin my novel recording apparatus, as will appear more fully hereinbelow.

As shown in the sectional view of Figure 4, the sheet 5d comprises aflexible layer it comprising magnetizable particles, preferablysupported by a flexible backing 15.

Backing member l5 comprises a highly flexible, resilient material, suchas paper, characterized by great resistance to cracking upon folding andcreasing, and the ability to assume a substantially flat form afterflexure to a closed loop or after creasing. The binder for themagnetizable. particles hassimilar properties, and therefore a recordmedium made in accordance with the invention is capable of repeatedflexing to cylindrical form and of repeated creasing and uncreasingwithout disturbance of the bond between the magnetizable material andthe backing member, and without interference with the orientation of theindividual magnetiza-ble particles in relation to each other. Theresilience of the material operates to restore it to flat form as it isreleased from the cylinder, which is not only advantageous for purposesof ultimate disposition, but also aids in removing the sheet from themachine, as will appear.

I have found that the best combination of the properties above discussedis obtained with a sheet of from about one to about five thousandths ofan inch in thickness, and most desirably, with sheets from two to threethou-' sandths of an inch thick.

V. Supporting and maintaining the record sheet in flexed form Duringrecording and reproduction, a sheet 64 is supported upon a cylindricalform generally indicated at H in Figure 5. Cylinder 11 comprises abarrel iii of non-magnetic material, for example, brass, and two endflanges l9 and 80, the diameter of the flanges preferably being slightlygreater than that of the barrel l3. Cylindrical form 17 is adapted to bemounted by means of a shaft 8!, which protrudes beyond flanges l9 and asat either end.

Form ll is provided with a pair of hooks 82 and t3, projecting frombarrel l8 near the ends thereof, in the same radial plane, and adaptedto engage the holes it and 12 in sheet Ed.

The circumference of the barrel should be no Vl. Cylinder mounting andcylinder drive Cylindrical form ll is mounted for rotation in the upperportion of cabinet 30, as may be seen in Figure 8. The left end of shaft8! (see Figure '7) is journalled for rotation in side frame 84 and a pad85 formed integrally therewith. The opposite, or right, end of shaft 8!is journalled in bracket 86 and pad 8?.

Immediately below shaft 8! and to the right of drum ET may be seendriving motor 88, mounted on side frame 89; Motor shaft 90 is inperiph-L.

eral engagement with drive puck 9! (see Figures 9 and 10), which ismounted for rotation with a shaft 92, which shaft is journalled in shiftarm 93. The operation of arm 93 will be described more fullyhereinbelow; but it should be observed at this time that motion of arm93 is adapted to carry puck into and out of engagement with flange E8 ofform 11, thus providing a selectively engageable drive from motor 38 toform ll.

VII. Lead screw drive In addition to cylinder ll, shaft 8! also carriesfor rotation therewith a driving sprocket 94, located on the shaftbetween flange l9 and pad 87 (see Figures 7 and 8). Sprocket 94 carriesa chain. 95, which is in engagement with driven sprocket 96, secured toshaft $7 of lead screw 98. Lead screw shaft 9'! is iournalled at itsleft end in side frame 8 and at the opposite end in side frame 89.

It will thus be seen that the drive train for all rotating parts is:motor shaft 90, movable puck 91,1 ,puclr shaft 92,,fiange19; shaft 8t,sprocket I VIII. Carriage 'and carriage drive Lead screw 98 providestranslational force .for efiecting movement of .a portion of themechanism axially of cylindrical form 11. This portionis mounted onecarriage99 v(see Figures 8, 9 and 15 for large scaleview); Carriage99 issupported by and free for axial and rotational movement upon axial wayI00, having arack IOI out along one side thereof. The actual bearingsurfaces upon which the carriage rides are the internal surfaces ofsleeves I02 and I03.

Mounted on carriage 99 are erase head I96, recording head generallyindicated at I98, pointer 39, half-nut I09, and a pair of tabs IIO andill.

retain half-nut screw 99, by gravity. Tabs H and III, which extend belowaxial way I00, provide a lever'to which torque moments may be applied toremove" the heads from the cylinder and the half-nut" from theleadsscrew, .as will appear more fully hereinbelow.

lxrcontrol of the rotatingcomponent of the scanning mechanism Both therotational drive train and the rotation of carriage 99 about. axial wayI90 are controlled by a single electric-mechanical control system, whichisclearly illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. Shift arm 93 is mounted forswing mo tion at its lower extremity on shaft H2, which XnIIC'CmtTOZ ofthe translating component of the I scanning mechanism Thefronttendofcrossarm H6 is connected to-tab III of trip bar H8, which is capable ofrocking motion on'shaft I94. As may be seen in Figurefl, trip bar H8extends practically the fulllength of axial way I90, so that regardlessof the position of carriage 99, trip bar H8 may be brought into position'against tabs H0 and III of carriage 99. Figures 8'and9 show the partsin the position they assume when solenoid H4 is energized-that is, withdrive puck' 9I in driving position, and trip bar II'9 rocked forward,permitting the recording heads I06 and I01 tocontactsheet 64 on'cylinderTi, and permittinghalt-nut. I99 to engage with lead screw 98; Underthese conditions the cylinder rotates and the carriageismoved axially ofthe cylinder by the lead screw; Now, ifthe circuit to solenoid H4 bebroizen, spring H5 will pull arm 93 rearwardly, disengaging the drivepuck, and rocking trip bar H8 to the rear. The trip bar,'"as-: will beseen, come's 'in contact with one I01, back spacing mechanism"According, to'the invention, the mass of carriage 99 and its" associatedparts is distributed around axial way. I00 in a manner to retain headsI06 and "31' against barrel 18 of cylindrical form 11, and to I09 inengagement with lead or *bothoftabs H0 and 1H,; exertingii'a torquemoment on carriage 99 around axialywayv I99; thus lifting the headsfromwthe sheetandurc moving half-nut I 09- from engagement with lead:screw 98.

XI. The scanning path taneous translational and rotational movementwhereby to provide for a continuous helical trade-' intersecting theline of overlapping of posite edges of the record sheet.

XII. Carriage back space A second control 1 system, I08;- is completelycarried by carriage 99, and serves to efiect backspacing. This mechanismis shown in detailin Figure 15, and includes an electromagnetdtlgt ahousing I24, and a non magneti'cmember I2I1 hinged to the housing memberat I22; A-spring' I23 exerts a turning moment on membcrtfl; tending tocarry free end I24 ofmember- IM away from the electromagnet; Hinged tomember I2I at end I24 is an armature I25,oneend- I26 of the armaturebeing in alignment with the core of the electromagnet andthe'oth'er endbearing a pawl I2'I, adapted to engage rack I0! of axial way I00.

When electromagnet H9 is energized, member I2I is at first unaffected,but end- I26 0! armature-- I25 is drawn toward the core of the electromagnet, thereby forcing pawl I2'I into engage ment with rack IOI.However, as soon-as end I29 comes in contact with member I2 I, the turn1 ing movement on point I24 terminates, and the full force of the magneton the armature is now transmitted to member I2I, which turns on' pointI22. Tooth I21 now exerts an axial pres sure on rack I9I, advancingcarriage 99 until member I2I abuts on housing I20'at point I28.

XIII. Semi-automatic:record loading I30 are secured attheir lower endsto a shaft' I34, which is hung froma shaft I35 'by threearms I36, I37,and I39; Arms I36 and I31 are secured to shaft I35 for rotationtherewith, while arm I38 is loosely mounted for rotation on-sleeve I4'Iserving merely to aid in aligning its end of shaft I34 and to afford areaction point for a spring I 39, which acts to force finger I 30against the paper. Each finger I30 is provide'd'wlth such a spring, theleft hand spring'having for" a reaction point arm I39. Rotation orshart-l-a'i is effected by moving lever 35. As will be seen, depressing lever35 forces fingers I30 upwardly against the tension of spring I38a, andsince pads I3I are coated to provide more friction between them and thesheet of paper 64 they contact than exists between that sheet and thead- XIV. Semi-automatic record ejection The paper ejection mechanism isillustrated in Figures '7, 8 and 12. A sleeve I4I, rotatably mounted onshaft I35, is secured at one end to lever 36 and at the other to a crankI42 carrying a. link I 43. Adjacent link I43 is link I44, looselymounted for rotation on shaft I35. Links I43 and I44 are kept insubstantial axial alignment by pairs of loose fitting guides I45 formedon link I43. An ejection lever I46 carrying a pad I41 is secured tolinks I43 and I44 at I48 and I49 respectively.

When lever 36 is depressed, crank I42 rotates in a manner to shift linkI43 downwardly relative to link I44 against the tension of spring I44a,raising pad I41 and moving it into engagement with drum 11 through slotI 33b in paper guide I33a. When the pad can no longer swing upwardly,the whole assembly, consisting of crank I42, links I43 and I44, leverI46, and pad I41 will pivot about shaft I35, spinning drum 11 in aclockwise, or reverse, direction. Since the paper 64 on drum 11 has anatural tendency to straighten out, the sheet will peel ofi outside backwall I50 of reservoir I29 and be deposited between wall I50 andadjustable back panel 32.

In Figures 5 and '1 is illustrated mechanism for stopping the drum in apredetermined position prior to operating the ejection mechanism, inorder to insure that the trailing edge of sheet 64 will be in the properangular position in relation to back wall I50 of magazine I29. Thismechanism includes a cam am mounted on drum shaft 8| adjacent one end ofdrum 11. Cam am has a circular profile interrupted by a depression.Switch I40 includes a rotating cam follower I401; adapted to engage withthe depression to separate the switch contacts. Switch I40, togetherwith push button switch I 88 (see also Figure 1) serves to provide anadditional path for energizing current for cylinder drive engagingsolenoid II 4. This circuit is completely independent of the normaloperating circuit comprising foot switches 26 and 55 and limiting switchI86. When it is desired to eject a sheet, switch I88 is closed by theoperator and solenoid I I4 will be energized so long as cam followerM011 is in contact with the high portion of cam 0Ia. As a result, thedrum will rotate until follower I40a drops into the depressionseparating the switch contacts, and deenergizing solenoid I I4. Thecylinder will stop in a position determined by the angular location ofthe depression. This angular position is arranged to correspond with aposition of the trailing edge of sheet 64 appropriate to ejection in thedesired direction. Preferably, as in the form illustrated, thedepression is arranged to stop the cylinder when the trailing edge ofsheet 64 is somewhat past the edge of rear wall I50 of the papermagazine which strips the sheet 10 from the drum on reverse rotationthereof. Once the drum has been rotated to and stopped in this position,the paper is ejected by operation of lever 36 as described above.

XV. The recording and erasing heads The electrical components of thedevice include two electromagnets I06 and I01 which serve as an erasehead and a recording head respectively. Figure 13 is a phantom View of arecording head used in one embodiment of the invention. Shown in outlineis housing I5I containing a laminated core I52, coils I53 and 54 andcomposite pole pieces I55 and I56. Figure 14 is a detailed view of thepole pieces of the recording head on an increased scale in which may beseen a non-magnetic spacer I51 which performs the function ofmaintaining the .gap between pole pieces I55 and I56 constant.

As is well known in the art, the same electromagnet may be used both inrecording and reproducing magnetic recordings, and accordingly, head I01is connected to alternatively perfov'. both of these functions, as willappear more fully hereinbelow.

Electromagnets I06 and I01 are mounted on carriage 99 with erase headI06 ahead of record ing head I01 in a scanning sense. The equipment isarranged to provide for energization of the erase head during recordingoperations, so that any previously recorded material on a record sheetis obliterated just in advance of the recording head, whereby therecording head is always presented with an unrecorded record track. Bythis means a double exposure is impossible. Furthermore, it isunnecessary to perform any separate erasing operation inasmuch as apreviously recorded but unwanted record sheet may be inserted andsimultaneously erased and rerecorded. The switching arrangements includea circuit for rendering the erasing head ineifective duringreproduction.

XVI. The speaker-microphones It should be here stated thatspeaker-microphones 22 and 53, while they may take any form, preferablycomprise in each case a single permanent magnet loudspeaker which, as iswell known in the art, is capable of functioning either as a microphoneor as a loudspeaker.

XVII. The amplifier Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing anamplifier I58, power supply I59 and oscillator I60, all of which aremounted on chassis I6I (see Figure 8). While the amplifier, power supplyand oscillator have been shown in separate dotted boxes, it is to beunderstood that this device is employed for clarity of description onlyand does not necessarily represent the physical organization of theparts. Amplifier I58 includes ungrounded input connection I62, groundedinput terminal I63, ungrounded output terminal I64 and grounded outputterminal I65. Power sutoply I59 includes a power transformer I66 havinghigh voltage winding I61 and low voltage winding I68 which suppliesfilament voltage for all of the vacuum tubes and also delivers lowvoltage relay current to ungrounded terminal I69 and grounded terminalI10. In addition, primary voltage is delivered at terminals HI and I12.Transformer primary I13 is adapted to be fed at terminals I14 and I15.It should be noted particularly that negative direct voltage lead is isnot grounded but is connected to terminal I11.

Oscillator I60 delivers. high frequency voltage to ungrounded terminalI18 and grounded terminal I19. It should be noted at this timethat oneside of the amplifier input and output, oseill-tor output, and relaycurrent output are. grounded, and similarly, that one side of each ofthe speaker-microphones, erase and record heads, andvarious solenoidsare grounded, making possible the interconnection of all of the abovecir cuits by means of single pole switches.

XVIII. General discussion. of cabling and. switching Figure 1'7 is aschematic diagramof a complete 45 is depressed once for each-backwardstep: delsired until, for example, the carriage 39. has been carriedback to a point somewhatbefore the point at which the redictation is tocommence. The knob ii-501 gang switch His thrown to the Local Play-Backposition B and foot switch 26 closed until the last of the materialwhich. is to be retaineel is heard, whereupon. ,foot switch 26. israised, knob 4G is again turned to. position A and dictation resumed.Inasmuch as erase head WI isenergizcd during the dictation, thepreviously recorded material will be erased just prior torerecording.

As carriage 99 approaches the end of, drum ,IFI,

oflice dictation and intercommunication system 1;; switch I85 opens andlamp. 43b i extinguished. laid out in accordance with the invention. AsThis serves as a warning that the recording space maybe'seen, masterunit Z'I, diagrammatically inhas been almost filled. Shortlythcreaiter,cardicated by the large dotted box, includes not only riage99 opensv switch I86, which is unitarlly the record translatingmechanism and the amplimounted with switch I85, as shown in Figure 10,fl p w r upply and illa or discussed b v 29 breaking the circuit tosolenoid m and thus terbut also includes gang switch 4! controllable atminating the scanning. Therecordedsheet may the master unit torestablishing manual recordthen be ejected by operation of paper ejectioning or reproducing or intercommunication condilever'36 as describedinsection XIV, or the cartions. riagemay be returned to the left-handside by Master unit 2| also includes a multi-contact movingpointer 39with the fingers to the extreme relaygenerally indicated at Hill andcontrolled by left of scale 4|, and the record reproducedby hold. downtoggle switch i'lI in remote unit 52. switching knob 46 to position Aand depressing Sections ItI and I82 of relay I80 serve to reverse switch26. the connectionsto the input and output of ampli- Thus, it may beseen that the first two positions fier I58. Section I83 serves toconnect the out s r; of knob 46 and therefore of switch 41 correspondput of oscillator ISO to recording head m1 under to recording from localmicrophone 22 and Play the two operating conditions corresponding toreand reproducing a record at local speakercording. Section I84 of relayI88 serves to short microphone .ll. Whenmaster unit 2I is operatedcircuit erase head IIIIi at all times except during independently, therelay I80 isneverenergized, 1 recording. and therefore only one set ofconnections is estab- I lished by a given switch position. HoweverpinIndependent operation the Table A, i have listed the circuits,which'would The operation of the master unit alone willnow heestablished if the relay were energized in order be considered. Tomake arecording, main power to maintain consistency with the description-ofswitch 44 is closed, the machineis loaded, as'dethe operation .of switch41 in the other operating scribed in section XIII, knob 46 of gangswitch 41 positions.

TABLE A gggggg Switch Section and Function gig gggg ggg gg g g fi 1.Motor A. 0. Supply A. 0. Supply. 2. Recording Head Amplifier Output..-Amplifier Input. i; earnestness; i eiii ifirf;;;: Ample" 5. OscillatorRecording'Head,- 6. Erasc Head On Grounded. 1. otor A. 0. Supply....ArO. Supply. 2. Recording Head i. Ampllfierlnput-. Amplifier Output. BLoca1P1ayBack l gglgp egg lgfirggig g Amplifier Output..- Ammm ut.

51 Oscillator IIIIIIIIITIIIIIIII 6. Erase Head Grounded H Grounded.

is set to position A, Local Record. In this position switch section Ienergizes drive motor 88,

switch section 2 connects record head I01 to the output of amplifier I58through section IBI of relay I80, and switch section 3 connectsthe localspeaker-microphone 22 to the input of amplifier I58. Switch section 4 isinoperative in this position. Switch section 5 connects the output ofoscillator IEIl to record head Iill. Switch section 6 is open, with theresult that erase head I06 is in series with the negative high voltagelead Ill. The device is now set for recording. The dictator nowdepresses foot switch 25 and speaks into spaker-microphone 22. Theclosing of switch 26 energizes solenoid II i, engaging the drive frommotor 88 to drum ll and lead screw 91. When pauses occur in dictation,the foot switch 26 is opened and closed again just prior to thecontinuation of dictation. If'it should be desired to redictate aportion of the material, push button ISO XX. Remote operation As hasbeen set forth above, itis contemp a e that a master unit zI will beemplo ed inconjunction with a remote unit 52, whereby records maybe madeor reproduced by a person remote from thelocatienof master unit 2|. Asmay. be seen in Figure 17,.positions .C and D of switch 4'! correspondexactlyto positions A and B, with the exception that the localspeaker-microph0ne2 is disconnected from the apparatus and thatinsteadremote speaker-microphone 53 is connected by switch section 4.. Switchsections I, 2, 5 an 6 functionboth in recording and Play back, as theydo for positions A andkB. Thus, with switch 41 in position 0, a personat remote unit 52 may make a record controlling the engagement of thedrive by means of foot switch 55 and controlling back spacing by meansof push button 63. These controls are connected in parallel with the corresponding'controls of master unit 2i, and operswitch section I breaksthe circuit to motor 88,

13 ate in exactly the same way. Similarly, lamp 53b is connected inparallel with lamp 431) and is controlled by warning switch I85 inexactly the same manner. As may be seen upon reference to the lastcolumn in Table B, included directly below,

a person dictating at remote unit 52 may listen to what he has recordedeither by instructing a person at the master unit to switch to positionD or, if the switch is set at position C, he may play back his record byoperating relay I80. controlled by switch 6|. The circuits establishedby switch 41 in positions and 1) may be seen in Table B 14 switchsection 2 breaks the circuit to recording head I Ill, switch section 5breaks the circuit to oscillator I60, and switch section 6 shortcircuits erase head I06, connecting the negative high 5 voltage lead ITIdirect to ground. As may be seen from Table 0, below, switch sections 3and I in position E connect local speaker-microphone to the amplifieroutput and remote speaker-microphone to the amplifier input. In positionF, these two switch sections reverse these connections. Thus, theoperator of master unit 2| may speak to a person at remote unit 52 byturning below. control knob 46 to position F, and may listen to TABLE BPosition and Connection Relay Connection Relay Function switch Sectmnand Function Not Energized Energized 1. Motor A. 0. Suppl A. 0. Supply.2;. gecofdsing I-{Iead h Amplifier Output... Amplifier Input. oca peaerrop one... 0 Remote Record' Remote Speaker-Microphone. Amplifier InputAmplifier Output.

5. Oscillator Recording Hea 6. Erase Head n Grounded. 1. Motor A. C.Supply A. 0. Supply. 7. Recording Head Amplifier Input Ampl' er Output.D-Remote Play 3. Local Speaker-Microphone.

Back. lolemlotte Speaker-Microphone. Amplifier Out "-ut Amplifier Input.

. S01 a or 6. Erase Head Grounded. Grounded.

XXI. General discussion of intercommunication features While it is thuspossible to either produce or reproduce recordings at remote unit 52,the switching from position 0 to D must still be accomplished at masts-runit 2 I.

In order to coordinate the activities of persons at both operatingpositions, I have provided, in addition to the remote recording andreproducing circuits, two separate intercommunication circuits. One ofthese is visual and the other comprises a system of voice communication.

XXII. Visual intercommunication The visual system includes lamps 43b and591) a person at remote unit 52 by turning control knob is to positionE. There is thus established an intercommunication circuit between thetwo units under the control of the operator of master unit 2 I. Inaddition, sections I BI and I82 of relay I86 are arranged to invert theconnections of the local speaker-microphone and the remotespeaker-microphone to the amplifier when the relay is energized byclosing switch BI on remote unit 52. It will thus be apparent that whenknob 46 is either in-position E or F an intercommunication circuit isestablished between the two units which may be controlled by operationof switch 6|. Table 0 illustrates connections established in positions Eand F.

TABLE 0 Position and Connection Relay Connection Relay Function swltchsermon and Function Not Energized Energized 1. Motor 2. Rec rding HeadE-Local to Remote 3. Local Speaker-Micropho Amplifier Input AmplifierOutput. Intercom. 4. Remote Speaker-Microphone. Amplifier OutpuAmplifier Input.

5. Oscillator 6. Erase Head" Grounded. 1. Motor 2. Recording Head F-Intercom. Re- 3. Local Speaker-Microphone-" Amplifier Output AmplifierInput.

mote to Local. 4. germane Speaker-Microphone. Amplifier Input AmplifierOutput.

5. se a or .6. Erase Head Grounded.

and push button 69. As will be seen from Figure 17, push button 69,which is normally closed, is in series with the energizing current tolamps 43b and 5972. By depressing push button 6% and thus breaking thecircuit to the lamps, a person at remote unit 52 may break-and-make thecircuit to lamp 431), which is mounted behind bezel E3 on master unit2i, and thus may flash a signal to the person at the master unit 2 I.

XXIII. Voice intercommunication The voice communication circuit includesamplifier I58, local speaker-microphone 22, and remotespeaker-microphone 53, together with sections 3 and 4 of switch 41. Asmay be seen upon examination of the figure, in positions E and F Itshould be noted at this time that remote unit v 52 is provided with aprivacy switch 62 connected in series with remote speaker-microphone 63,whereby a person at remote unit 52 may prevent eavesdropping by anyoneat position 2| by opening switch 62.

XXIV. Plural recording rel y- .with one machine at least two layers ofrecord are mounted with their coated surfaces 16a and 15b injuxtaposition, as illustrated in Figure 6.

The two sheets are secured to form H in the usual i mannerby hooks 82and 83 which penetrate holes H and 12. The recording is made throughbacklng portion 15a of the outside sheet 64a. It should be pointed outthat this technique depends upon the maintenance of positive alignmentas between the two record sheets throughout the recording process. Themethod of securing the sheets to each other and to the cylinderillustrated inthe figurehy means of hooks 82 and S3-results ineffectively maintaining this alignment.

While I have found that the innermost layer is recorded at a somewhatlower signal level than the outer layer, this is of small consequence,since the level of reproduction may be controlled within wide limits bymanipulation of volume control 49, and therefore, as Will be understood,the second recording is eminently satisfactory as a file copy.

XXV. Modes of operation In its simplest form, the invention maybepracticed without remote unit 52 and without the features of remotecontrol and intercommunicatime. Under these conditions, localspeakermicrophone 22 and foot switch 26 will be positioned at or nearmaster unit 2|, at the convenience of the person dictating. If the userof the apparatus desires to send a typewritten letter, he may dictatethe material of the letter according to the technique outlined insection XIX, whereupon the .record maybe played back by the person whois sheets are placed on the cylinder. Upon the conclusion of thedictation, the record sheet or sheets may be removed, identifyingindicia applied as exemplified in Figure 3, the first sheet folded, andinserted in an envelope for transmission by mail to the correspondent,who, on receiving it, may

reproduce the record by inserting it in his master unit 2| and followingthe procedure outlined in section XIX. The file copy may be stored inflat or folded form as desired.

The operation of the complete system, including remote unit 52, involvestwo persons, for example, an executive stationed at remote unit 52, andhis secretary stationed at master unit 2|. Under these conditions itwill be understood that complete voice intercomrnunication between thetwo parties is available when switch 41 is in position E or F, asoutlined in sections XXI and XXIII. If the switch has been left ineither of these positions, for example, position E, the executive maycommunicate with his secretary by closing switch Bi, operating relayI30. His voice will be reproduced at the master unit speaker-'microphone. If switch 4! is in position F, he may speak to secretarywithout operating the If the switch is in one of the other four Hitoperating positions, he merely signals tohis sec rotary by operatingpush button 60,.brealoing the circuit to lamp 23?), causing this lamp togo out, to switch to position F and establish voice communication.Having established communication with his secretary, the executive maythen give her instructions appropriate to his next step; for example, hemay say, I want to dictate a letter., in which case she would set switchll in position 0. The executive then dictates his letter into thespeaker-microphone of'remote unit-.52, depressing foot switch 55 duringthe periods of active dictation and releasing it during pauses. If, atthe conclusion of his dictation, the sheet has not been completelyrecorded, lamps 43b and .591) will still be illuminated, and he mayoommunicate with his secretary by depressing push button (if! as before.If, on the other hand, his dictating should carry him to the end of therecord sheet, switch I85 will be opened by carriage 83, darkening thelamps and signifying to both persons that a new sheet must be inserted.The secretary will then, as a matter of routine, insert another recordand return the carriage to the starting position by pushing pointer 39to the left-hand side of scale 4!, whereupon the lights will again go onand the executive may resume his dictating. Upon completion of theletter, whatever its length, the secretary may be instructed to disposeof it either by transcribing it to typewritten form or by dispatching itimmediately to its destination. Of course, duplicates may be made inexactly the same manner as outlined above.

XXVI. Conclusion Thus, the invention provides for the immediatereduction of intelligence to a form of permanent record which is notonly adapted to convenient transcription to some other form of record,but is also highly suited to storage or transmission without furthereffort on the part of the person with whom it originated.

The invention also exploits the unique capabilities of such a basicsystem by providing means for handling all the mechanical details ofletter preparation at a position removed from the presence of itsoriginator, leaving him free to concentrate his energies on theformulation of the letter. I

Finally, the invention combines the speed and efiicicncy of directrecording with the ease and convenience of disposition confinedheretofore to written records.

Beyond the immediately foregoing advantages which have heretofore neverbeen realized, a dictating and intercommunication system establishedaccording to this invention performs with a minimum of apparatus and amaximum of convenience all of the conventional functions heretoforeachieved in known systems only at the expense of employing awkwardtechniques involving a great multiplicity of equipment.

To illustrate, a system established according to this invention involvesa single unit at the executive station and a single unit at thesecretarys station. An ample supply of record sheets may be storedwithin the machine at the secretarys station. The executives simpleremote unit, which affords him facilities for dictating records, reproducing records, and communicating with his secretary in twodirections, replaces the single function, mechanical sound-recordingdevice formerly required, the single function intcrcommunication unitformerly required, and the storage facilities formerly required forblank records. At the secretarys station, the master unit of thisinvention replaces not only the single function transcriber of the priorart and the intercommunication. unit familiar in many oifices, but alsothe pense of adding to her burden the tasks of shaving old records andthe lugging back and forth of freshly recorded and freshly shaved recordblanks. According to the present invention, this fetching and carryingis replaced by instantaneous electronic transmission. The recording ismade in the location and in the very machine where it is to betranscribed, if it is to be transcribed, and if it is not, it is at aplace convenient for whatever other disposition has been designated forit.

Certain features which are disclosed herein are also disclosed andclaimed in my copending applications Serial No. 737,692, filed March 27,1947 (now Patent #2,581,144) Serial No. 737,693, filed March 27, 1947;Serial No. 737,694, filed March 27, 1947 (now Patent #2,581,499) SerialNo. 740,653, filed April 10, 1947; and Serial No. 278,212, filedFebruary 8, 1952.

I claim:

1. In a dictating machine for recording intelligence on removable sheetsof flexible material carrying magnetizable material thereon andincluding a magnetic transducer device for recording and reproducing andmeans adapted to support a record sheet in tubular form in juxtapositionto the said device: selectively engageable and disengageable means foreffecting rotation of the said supporting means, selectively engageableand disengageable means for eifecting translational movement of thedevice axially of the said tubular form, control means for alternativelyconditioning the machine for recording and for reproducing, and commoncontrol means operable independently of said conditioning means forsimultaneously engaging said rotation-effecting means and saidtranslating means and for shifting said device and a record sheet on thesupport means into juxtaposition with one another.

2. In dictating apparatus for use with removable flexible letter sizesheets carrying magnetizable material, a cylindrical form adapted tosupport a record sheet of the type described, a magnetic transducerdevice for recording and reproducing magnetic recordings, said devicebeing mounted for movement parallel to the axis of said cylinder and foroscillatory movement toward and away from a position of contact withsaid cylinder, selectively engageable means for effecting rotation ofsaid form, selectively engageable means for effecting translationalmovement of said device axially of said form, means for effectingoscillatory motion of said device toward said form, control means foralternatively conditioning the apparatus for recording and reproducingand unitary control mechanism operatively associated with said threefirst mentioned means for simultaneously initiating said rotationalmovement, said translational movement, and said oscillatory movement,whereby said device is in contact with a record supported on said formduring said rotational and translational movements, and is removed fromsuch contact upon the termination of such movements.

f -3. In a-dictation machine for use with flexible rectangular recordsheets carrying magnetizable material, a drum adapted to support arecord sheet wrapped thereon, a control for alternatively conditioningthe machine for recording and reproducing, a motor, disconnectible drivemeans between the motor and the drum, a magnetic device mounted formovement toward and away from the drum and adapted to scan a recordsheet on the drum, disconnectible drive means for moving the magneticdevice axially of the drum to provide for scanning of a multiplicity ofturns in a. helical path around the drum, means for effecting movementof the magnetic device toward the drum, and for connecting said twodisconnectible drive means, and a single control for said last mentionedmeans providing for movement of the magnetic device away from the drumwhen the two drive means are disconnected and for movement of themagnetic device toward the drum when the drive means are connected.

4. In a dictating machine for recording intelligence on removable sheetsof flexible material carrying magnetizable material, means forsupporting a record sheet in tubular form, rotating drive means,selectively engageable means for interconnecting the supporting anddrive means, a magnetic transducer device for recording and reproducingmounted in juxtaposition to a sheet supported by the supporting means, acondition control for alternatively conditioning the machine forrecording and reproducing, a lead screw, a nut selectively engageabletherewith for effecting translational movement of the device axially ofthe said tubular form, and dictation control mechanism associated bothwith said selectively engageable means and said nut for concurrentlyinitiating rotation of said form and engagement of said nut with saidlead screw.

5. In a dictation machine for use with magnetic records and comprising arevolvable record support for supporting a record flexed to the form ofa closed loop, a guide way parallel to the axis of the support, and alead screw parallel to the axis of the support: a carriage mounted formovement along the guide way and for oscillation about the axis thereof,a magnetic head on the carriage adapted to engage a record on thesupport upon oscillation of the carriage to a predetermined position, anut on the carriage positioned to engage the lead screw when the headengages the record, means normally urging the carriage away from saidposition, and control means for shifting the carriage to said position,the construction further being characterized by distribution of the massof the carriage about the axis of the guide way in a manner to maintainthe carriage in said position by gravity, the urging means comprising atilt bar mounted for oscillation on an axis parallel to the axis of theguide way and adapted upon oscillation about said axis to engage thecarriage and shift the same from said position and a resilient devicenormally urging said bar into such engagement.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 and further including drivemechanism for the support including a clutch, and linkageinterconnecting said control means, said tilt bar, and said clutchwhereby to provide for substantially simultaneous engagement of saidclutch and shifting of said carriage to said position.

BRUCE ROBERTS.

(References on following page)

